Texas Football: 2015 NFL Draft Tracker, Analysis and Results
The Texas Longhorns are rebuilding under Charlie Strong, but the legendary football program will still see a handful of its alumni selected in the 2015 NFL draft.
Defensive tackle Malcom Brown could be a top-20 pick, while Quandre Diggs and Jordan Hicks are Day 3 possibilities. Cedric Reed and running back Malcolm Brown round out the draftable targets from Texas.
This piece will highlight the Longhorns' draft hopefuls. Prior to the draft, we will analyze all five athletes and their respective strengths as football players. Predictions on draft positioning will also be discussed.
Once the draft ends, we will update the slides, detailing each player and how he fits in with his future team.
DT Malcom Brown
1 of 7
Drafted: Round 1, Pick 32 to New England Patriots
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 320 lbs
Analysis
Malcom Brown will replace Vince Wilfork on the New England Patriots defensive line. Wilfork spent the 11 seasons clogging the interior and demanding double teams, so Brown has massive shoes to fill.
The first-team All-American led the Longhorns with 15 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, registering 72 total stops last season. New England will be counting on Brown for similar disruption—not necessarily similar numbers.
Replacement
Hassan Ridgeway is on track to become the featured player on the interior, while Paul Boyette and Poona Ford will attempt to join the rotation. Texas is looking to improve the nation's No. 61 rush defense, per CFBstats.com.
LB Jordan Hicks
2 of 7
Drafted: Round 3, Pick 84 to Philadelphia Eagles
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 234 lbs
Analysis
If Jordan Hicks can stay healthy, he should be a tackling machine for the Philadelphia Eagles. He amassed 147 total stops last season.
Now, Hicks' injury issues combined with his weakness shedding blocks could pose a significant problem against more physical competition. But he'll have a chance to contribute right away, since Philadelphia lacks depth in its linebacking corps.
Replacement
Peter Jinkens must hold off Edwin Freeman for the No. 1 job. Jinkens managed two starts last season, but the redshirt freshman Freeman is coming on strong.
DB Mykkele Thompson
3 of 7
Drafted: Round 5, Pick 144 New York Giants
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 185 lbs
Analysis
The New York Giants probably reached for Mykkele Thompson. The safety never quite lived up to his billing out of high school, taking poor angles as a tackler and rarely creating turnovers. Thompson can play safety or shift to cornerback, so he's not a pick without upside. In Round 5, though, the Giants turned a few questioning heads.
Replacement
Jason Hall is a front-runner to complement Dylan Haines in the Longhorns secondary. Thompson logged 31 starts, so although his potential was never reached, Hall has some sizable shoes to fill.
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CB Quandre Diggs
4 of 7
Drafted: Round 6, Pick 200 to Detroit Lions
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 195 lbs
Analysis
The Detroit Lions defense lacked playmakers in the secondary behind a disruptive offensive line. Quandre Diggs, who snatched 11 interceptions at Texas, adds the potential of a dynamic corner if his physical abilities catch up to his mental prowess.
Replacement
Bryson Echols could move into the Longhorns' starting lineup and lock down one side of the defensive backfield opposite Duke Thomas. Echols received extra snaps during spring practice due to injuries on the roster according to Alex Dunlap of Orangebloods.
TE Geoff Swaim
5 of 7
Drafted: Round 7, Pick 246 to Dallas Cowboys
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 250 lbs
Analysis
Nearing the conclusion of Round 7, Geoff Swaim heard his name called when the in-state Dallas Cowboys selected the tight end. Though Swaim managed but a handful of receptions, he was a stout blocker for the Longhorns' rushing attack. He could be a goal-line substitution on Dallas' already outstanding line.
Replacement
Following M.J. McFarland's transfer from Texas, Andrew Beck and Blake Whiteley are the top remaining tight ends. They'll need to hold off freshman Devonaire Clarington during fall camp.
DE Cedric Reed
6 of 7
Draft Projection: Round 6, Pick 196 to Cincinnati Bengals
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 272 lbs
Analysis
Inconsistency plagued Cedric Reed throughout his time at Texas, making him a classic potential-filled prospect. A first-team All-Big 12 honoree in 2013, Reed followed up that campaign with just 5.5 sacks as a senior.
With proper coaching, Reed can be more than an edge-rushing specialist. As of right now, though, he's not an appealing mid-round selection.
Replacement
Although Shiro Davis and Bryce Cottrell will compete for the top spot on the depth chart, it will be a combined effort to replace Reed. The duo combined for 29 tackles last year.
RB Malcolm Brown
7 of 7
Draft Projection: Round 7, Pick 227 to Atlanta Falcons
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 222 lbs
Analysis
Malcolm Brown capped a respectable collegiate career with a second-team All-Big 12 selection, but being picked in the draft would certainly mean a lot to the running back. He carries a strong frame and runs with a physical nature.
However, in such a deep class, Brown's injury history and lack of explosiveness bury him way, way down in the draft. He could be worth a late-round flier, but Brown's ceiling isn't very high.
Replacement
Johnathan Gray will officially stand at the top of the depth chart, so D'Onta Foreman and Donald Catalon will be battling for second-string reps throughout the summer and fall.
Note: Draft projections via Matt Miller's mock draft. Heights and weights via Texas' official athletics site.
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